Clive Herbert, the Duke of Cheshire's younger brother, about to leave England to relieve his boredom, falls in love with Helena, the unhappy Duchess of Harwich, who was forced to marry a corrupt duke to save her father's name, but the rogue treats her cruelly. Although she loves Clive, Helena will not leave with him because she does not want to sully this love. When Harwich returns from France, where he was treated for paralysis brought on while forcing his attentions on Helena, he maliciously taunts Helena and Clive. After Clive's brother dies, Clive becomes a duke and a member of the House of Lords and nearly marries American heiress Cornelia Kirby so he can keep up the family estate. Harwich dies without leaving Helena anything, but after Cornelia's Chicago sweetheart Howard McClintock takes her back and Clive becomes the Ambassador to the U.S., he marries Helena.—Pamela Short